Rosie’s story

When baby Rosie was born in September 2015, her parents Joanne and Jonathan knew they would only have a short time to spend with her. They came to Bluebell Wood after one-day-old Rosie had passed away, providing the family precious moments together that they will treasure forever.

During Joanne’s pregnancy, the couple were given the devastating news their baby had a type of fatal brittle bone disease. “When she was born, Rosie did really well at first, she was clearly such a fighter and was alert; looking up at us all of the time. She was beautiful,” explained Joanne.

The family, of Rotherham, stayed at Bluebell Wood for ten days in an end of life suite, giving the family time together to say their goodbyes. They also had space and time to prepare for Rosie’s funeral, with care team members on hand for help and support.

Joanne said: “Bluebell Wood is such a lovely and special place. Being here gave us chance to have time with Rosie that we thought we would never have. We could see her whenever we wanted, our family and friends could visit to say their goodbyes with no visiting hours in place and we had beautiful moulds of Rosie’s feet created – amazing memories.”

Bluebell Wood also offers support for siblings. So throughout the ten day stay, Rosie’s two-year-old sister, Pippa, was able to have fun in Bluebell Wood’s gardens and spend time doing many activities, including making crafts, with the care team.

“The weather was lovely when we were staying at Bluebell Wood, so Pippa really enjoyed being outside. Being together here meant Jonathan and I had time to grieve knowing Pippa was in safe hands, while she was also having fun,” added Joanne.

The family attended Bluebell Wood’s annual Remembering Day the weekend they were staying at the hospice and are planning to attend a bereavement group soon. “Just knowing the door is always open for support is incredible,” said Joanne.

In the months after Rosie passed away, the family raised more than £2,000 to donate to Bluebell Wood. They also plan to organise fundraising events in Rosie’s memory, including a Valentine’s Day Ball in February.

“It makes us so proud to be able to do this for Bluebell Wood in Rosie’s memory. We get so much support from Bluebell Wood and felt we needed to do something to give back,” added Joanne.

Tilly has hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, which means she didn’t get enough oxygen to her brain when she was born. Now she comes to Bluebell Wood with her mum, Rebecca, and her big brother, Gabriel, where she loves meeting new people and relaxing in the spa pool.

William is Paul and Michelle’s ‘miracle boy’. Before he was born he had a stroke and spent the first nine months of his life in hospital. Despite facing so many challenges, William has never stopped smiling, and he loves coming to Bluebell Wood.

Mia was a happy, bubbly nine-year-old who was always on the go. In August 2018 she was diagnosed with a rare condition where the body reacts aggressively to an infection, and she died eight days later. Her family spend valuable time together at Bluebell Wood after she passed away.

Four month old Lily died at Bluebell Wood in February 2017 after being born with a rare heart condition. Her mum and dad, Ella and Ryan, call the hospice their lifeline, and they still visit with their son, Oliver.

Chester and Rhianna were born at just 26 weeks old in 2009, and they spent their first year in hospital fighting for their lives. Chester has brain damage and Hirschsprung disease, which means he can’t pass poo normally, and now visits Bluebell Wood for short breaks. His mum and dad, Lisa and Ian, tell his story:

Charlotte Lee calls daughter Gracie her snow baby. Born in January 2009 following a healthy pregnancy, Gracie’s arrival was a few months after young Sheffield mum Charlotte had received the surprise but welcome news that she was expecting. However, over the next few years Gracie had some developmental issues, which led to a sad discovery.

Olivia is a bubbly, chatty teenager who loves singing, and all things Harry Potter. She lives in Sheffield with her mum and dad, Michelle and Russell, and her brothers, Harry and Finley, and loves spending time at Bluebell Wood.

You are the reason that children and families can create magical memories and make the most of their time together.
Your donations provide much needed funds to support our families, and to create memories that they will treasure forever.